Fried Broccoli Meatballs

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PRESENTATION

Fried broccoli meatballs are a game-changer, trust me. Seriously. If you think broccoli's just boring, think again. Italians really know how to turn simple veggies into something you actually want to eat. These little guys have a crispy golden exterior that's kinda crunchy, while the inside stays tender and, well, almost moist. That's because of the steamed broccoli, cheese and sometimes a bit of ham, which is great for some extra flavor. And you know, it's a clever way to sneak in some greens. It's like how Italians make veggies feel like a treat—not a chore.

Serve them up as snacks for aperitivo, or as a quick appetizer. Pretty much whatever works. They’re also great as a main dish with a salad or tucked into a sandwich. The creativity in a broccoli meatball recipe is endless. And I mean, really endless. In Italy, where regional cooking is all about using what's on hand, you'll see folks adding potatoes, tomatoes, or even salmon. And then, they might shape them into nuggets—super snackable.

The real magic? The sauce. For real. Think cool, tangy yogurt mixed with olive oil, mint, and lemon juice. It really cuts through the richness of the fried outside and makes every bite feel fresh. Want a lighter twist? Swap the fryer for an air fryer. You still get that classic golden crust that makes these fried broccoli meatballs so really good.

For those into vegetarian meatballs or just hunting for new broccoli recipes, this is it. And a great way to mix up your snack or dinner routine. Whether you call them broccoli fritters, meatless meatballs, or just a tasty bite, they’re all about making veggies fun, tasty, and a bit addictive, Italian style. They capture Italian culinary magic, showing just how versatile veggie-based dishes can be. So here's the thing: next time you want something different, give these a try. Enjoy a little Italian flair right in your kitchen!

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INGREDIENTS

for 16 meatballs
Broccoli 14.1 oz (400 g) - (to clean)
Eggs 3
Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 3.5 oz (100 g) - (to be grated)
Prosciutto cotto 5.6 oz (160 g) - a slice
Breadcrumbs 2.8 oz (80 g) - Converted from grams to ounces for easier measurement without a scale.
White wine vinegar 0.7 tbsp (10 g)
Fine salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
for coating
Breadcrumbs to taste
for frying
Peanut seed oil 17.6 oz (500 g) - The conversion uses 1 ounce ? 28.35 grams, rounded to the nearest tenth for ease of use.
Preparation

How to prepare Fried Broccoli Meatballs

To prepare the fried broccoli meatballs, start by cleaning the broccoli: separate the florets 1, then peel the stem and chop it into pieces 2. Add everything to boiling water 3. a0<\p>

Add a teaspoon of vinegar and cook for about 7-8 minutes 4. Meanwhile, cut the ham into cubes about a quarter of an inch 5. Once the broccoli is cooked, drain them into a bowl 6. a0<\p>

Mash them with a fork 7, then incorporate the eggs 8 and ham cubes 9.<\p>

Add in the grated cheese 10, breadcrumbs 11, and pepper 12.<\p>

Salt 13 and mix to obtain a homogeneous mixture 14. Take a portion of about 3 oz and form an oval meatball 15, then roll it in breadcrumbs. a0<\p>

As you shape the meatballs, place them on a tray; with these amounts, you will get about 16 16. Heat the seed oil in a pan, and when it reaches 340°F, immerse the meatballs 17. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning the meatballs during frying 18. a0<\p>

Once they are golden 19, drain them on paper towels 20. Enjoy your fried broccoli meatballs while they're still hot 21!<\p>

Storage

It's recommended to consume the fried broccoli meatballs immediately; if leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for one day.<\p>

Tip

Form meatballs of the same size and fry a few at a time to keep the oil at temperature, ensuring a uniform and crispy golden crust.<\p>

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.